UPDATE: The Colorado Buffaloes are grappling with a significant injury crisis just days before their critical matchup against Arizona State on November 11, 2023. Left tackle Jordan Seaton is now questionable to play after suffering a lower leg injury, potentially missing his second consecutive game. Meanwhile, safety Ben Finneseth has been officially ruled out for Saturday’s game, adding to the Buffs’ mounting injury woes.
Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. ET at Folsom Field, with coverage on ESPN2. The stakes are high as the Buffs look to recover from their recent 29-22 loss to West Virginia and secure a much-needed victory.
In the latest player availability report from the Big 12 Conference, a total of 16 players from Colorado are listed. Head coach Deion Sanders expressed concerns on Tuesday, stating, “You hope to get guys back (after a bye week) and some of those guys should make it back this week. Some of those guys may not. We have an injury bug for sure.”
Seaton, a standout sophomore left tackle, had started the first 22 games of his career and was a key player for the Buffs before his injury. Right tackle Larry Johnson III is also in jeopardy of missing the game, having sat out the previous match against West Virginia.
Finneseth, who has been a crucial part of the defensive lineup with 27 tackles this season, spoke to the media earlier in the week and seemed healthy but is set to miss this game. Other notable absences include cornerback RJ Johnson, defensive tackles Amari McNeill and Tawfiq Thomas, and backup long snapper Camden Dempsey. Johnson, who started the first three games, has played only one snap in the last seven.
Freshman linebacker Mantrez Walker is listed as doubtful, while several other players, including cornerback Makari Vickers and safety Carter Stoutmire, are also questionable. Meanwhile, the Buffs do have four players listed as probable to return: linebacker Kylan Salter, tight end Zach Atkins, and defensive ends Alexander McPherson and London Merritt.
The Arizona State Sun Devils are facing their own health concerns, listing 12 players on their participation report. Star receiver Jordyn Tyson is marked as questionable, having missed the last three games due to a hamstring injury but returning to practice this week. Backup cornerback Rodney Bimage, Jr. is also notable, having appeared in nine games this season.
With the Buffs looking to turn their season around, every player’s availability could be crucial in this high-stakes game ahead. Fans are urged to stay tuned for last-minute updates as the teams prepare for what promises to be an electrifying showdown.
